Reports: Warner hit by ball tampering allegations

DAVID Warner's controversial tour of South Africa has been hit been hit by further drama, with the star opener reportedly accused of cheating.

According to both the Australianand Channel 9, South Africa's batsmen complained to umpires about taping on Warner's left hand.

Warner, who suffered a fractured left thumb in 2015, had heavy strapping over much of his left palm on day two of the second Test at Port Elizabeth.

The South Africans allege that strapping is aiding Warner tamper with the condition of the ball.

The left-hander was fined 15 per cent of his match fee in 2014 for accusing AB de Villiers of ball tampering at the same venue.

The allegations are the latest distraction for Warner on what has been a hugely tumultuous series.

Warner was hit with three demerit points and fined 75 per cent of his match fee after he was caught on CCTV in a stoush with Quinton de Kock. Incensed by disparaging remarks made by de Kock about his wife Candice, the vice-captain had to be held back by teammates on his way up the stairwell to the team dressing room.

The ugly incident has followed him to St George's Park, where Cricket South Africa left its Cricket Australia counterparts incredulous by allowing fans into the ground with Sonny Bill Williams masks - a shocking reference to Candice Warner's association with the rugby star over 10 years ago.

To make matters worse, two CSA officials posed alongside fans who were wearing the masks on day one.

Clive Eksteen and Altaaf Khazi with the masked fans.

A day later CSA issued an apology to the Warner family and Cricket Australia, and the two officials in the photo - commercial manager Clive Eksteen and media and communications manager Altaaf Khazi - are fighting to save their jobs.

Despite the distractions, Warner has been Australia's top run-scorer in the series so far, with 142 runs at an average of 47.33.